Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the technology of using an extended paging period
to page, and more particularly, to a user equipment, and a paging method and system
using an extended paging period to page.
Background of the Related Art
[0002] Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication refers to all communication technologies and
ways that establish a connection between the machines. The concept of M2M communication
is currently the focus of many communication equipment manufacturers and telecom operators.
Currently the number of machines all around the world is a lot more than the number
of people, so it can be anticipated that there is a huge demand on the M2M technology.
[0003] Researches on M2M communication application scenarios indicate that providing the
M2M communication on a mobile network has a potential market prospect. Existing mobile
communication networks are mainly designed for human-to-human communication, and are
less optimized for machine-to-machine and man-to-machine communications. Moreover,
how the operators provide the M2M communication service at a low cost is a key of
a success of M2M communication deployment. For a variety of new requirements of the
M2M service on the system, in order to enhance the mobile network's competitiveness
in this area, it is necessary to optimize the existing mobile networks to more efficiently
support the M2M communication.
[0004] Based on the above condition, it is necessary to study solutions for the mobile network
supporting the M2M communication, and the solutions should maximize reuse of the existing
networks to reduce the impact of a large number of M2M communications on the network
as well as the complexity of operation and maintenance for the network.
[0005] In order to effectively utilize mobile network resources, the 3rd Generation Partnership
Project (3GPP) proposed Machine Type Communication (MTC), namely as Machine to Machine
and Machine to Man, to communicate, its service scope is far beyond previous Human
to Human (H2H) communication. The MTC is very different from the existing H2H communication
mode in access control, charging, security, Quality of Service (QoS), service mode,
and other aspects.
[0006] FIG.1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the 3GPP mobile communication
network. As shown in FIG.1, a radio access network (such as Universal Terrestrial
Radio Access Network (UTRAN), evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN)) and a core network, for example,
an Evolved Packet Core network (EPC) is provided with network elements such as Mobility
Management Entity (MME), serving gateway, and Public Data Network gateway (PDN Gateway),
a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) core network comprises network elements such
as the Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN); the E-UTRAN comprises an evolved Node B (eNB);
wherein the E-UTRAN is connected with the MME/S-GW in the EPC via an S1 interface,
and the UTRAN is connected with the SGSN via an Iu interface.
[0007] The purpose of paging is to indicate a called information request or a system information
change to a target User Equipment (UE), the target UE which receives a paging message
establishes a connection with network side or reads the changed system information
according to an indication of the paging message. Paging scope is generally a registered
area of the UE, and a page is generally sent at a particular time point, and the particular
time point is obtained by a UE Identity and paging period calculation, so that each
UE has a corresponding paging time point. No matter in an idle state or a connected
state, the UE monitors the page in its own paging time point. A paging process is
initiated by the MME/SGSN at the network side, and sent to the paging area where the
target UE is located through the E-UTRAN/UTRAN, and the target UE receives the corresponding
paging message at the paging time point.
[0008] For a battery-powered MTC UE, it needs to take measures to reduce power consumption
of the UE. For a power supply powered MTC UE, it also needs to reduce power consumption
of the UE to achieve a goal of green energy-saving.
[0009] Currently, smart phones gradually become popular, and a large number of applications
are running on the smart phones. These applications may result in increased battery
power consumption of the smart phones, thereby battery life is shortened. Therefore
power saving of the smart phones is also a key issue to be addressed urgently.
[0010] Discontinuous Reception (DRX) is a technique which reduces the power consumption
of the UE, the UE in a DRX sleeping state shuts down most of receiving and sending
circuits to achieve the power-saving purpose. The DRX can be used in a radio resource
control connected (RRC Connected, hereinafter referred to as connected) mode and a
radio resource control idle (RRC Idle, hereinafter referred to as idle) mode, wherein
the DRX in the idle mode is a paging DRX.
[0011] To further reduce power consumption of the UE, an existing research proposes a scheme
using an extended DRX period, for example, the extended DRX paging period is used
to reduce the power consumption of the UE in the idle mode.
[0012] In the process of researching and practicing the related art, the prior art is found
to have following problems:
currently the UE selects a minimum value according to an upper layer indication and
the paging period of system information broadcast when determining the paging period.
Therefore, even though the MME/SGSN at the network side uses the extended paging period,
the UE still uses the relatively short default paging period in system information,
thus the meaning of using the extended DRX paging period is lost.
Summary of the Invention
[0013] To solve the technical problem, the embodiments of the present invention are to overcome
a defect that there is a waste of User Equipment (UE) power because currently a target
UE still uses a relatively short default paging period in system information when
an MME/SGSN at network side uses an extended paging period.
[0014] To solve the above-mentioned technical problem, the following technical scheme is
used:
the present invention provides a method of using an extended paging period to page,
comprising:
a Mobility Management Entity (MME) or a Serving General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)
Support Node (SGSN) negotiating an extended paging period with a User Equipment (UE)
to obtain a first extended paging period;
the MME/SGSN sending the first extended paging period and paging indication information
which indicates to use the first extended paging period to page to a radio access
network;
after receiving the first extended paging period and the paging indication information,
the radio access network sending the first extended paging period in system information,
and using the first extended paging period to send a paging message;
the UE selecting a second extended paging period according to an extended paging period
needed by the UE itself and the first extended paging period, and monitoring the paging
message according to the second extended paging period.
[0015] Alternatively, an MME/SGSN negotiating an extended paging period with a UE to obtain
a first extended paging period, comprises:
the UE sending a request message which indicates requesting to use a certain extended
paging period supported by the UE itself to the MME/SGSN;
the MME/SGSN judging whether to accept the requested extended paging period according
to subscription information of the UE and a local policy after receiving the request
message;
the MME/SGSN taking the requested extended paging period as the first extended paging
period, otherwise, selecting an extended paging period in local as the first extended
paging period, when accepting the requested extended paging period;
the MME/SGSN sending a negotiation response indication message of accepting or rejecting
the requested extended paging period to the UE.
[0016] Alternatively, the UE sending a request message which indicates requesting to use
a certain extended paging period supported by the UE itself to the MME/SGSN, comprises:
the UE sending the request message to the MME/SGSN according to an attach request
message, a Tracking/Routing Area Update (TAU/RAU) message or a service request message.
[0017] Alternatively, the MME/SGSN selecting an extended paging period in local as the first
extended paging period, comprises: the MME/SGSN selecting an extended paging period
which is shorter than the extended paging period that the UE requests to use in local
according to the local policy and the subscription information of the UE as the first
extended paging period.
[0018] Alternatively, the MME/SGSN sending a negotiation response indication message of
accepting or rejecting the requested extended paging period to the UE comprises: the
MME/SGSN sending the negotiation response indication message to the UE via Non-Access
Stratum (NAS) signaling.
[0019] Alternatively, an MME/SGSN negotiates an extended paging period with a UE to obtain
a first extended paging period, comprises: the UE sending capability information for
indicating that the UE itself supports an extended paging periods to the MME/SGSN;
the MME/SGSN selecting an extended paging period for the UE in local as the first
extended paging period according to the capability information after receiving the
capability information.
[0020] Alternatively, an MME/SGSN negotiates an extended paging period with a UE to obtain
a first extended paging period, comprises:
the MME/SGSN selecting a certain extended paging period according to the subscription
information of the UE, Quality of Service (QoS) of the application, and the local
policy;
the MME/SGSN sending the selected certain extended paging period to the UE;
the UE judging whether the UE can support the certain extended paging period according
to application requirements and the capability of the UE itself supporting an extended
paging period;
when the UE can support the certain extended paging period, the UE sending a negotiation
response indication message of accepting the certain extended paging period to the
MME/SGSN; when the UE cannot support the certain extended paging period, the UE sending
a negotiation response indication message of rejecting the certain extended paging
period to the MME/SGSN;
the MME/SGSN determining the first extended paging period according to the negotiation
response indication message.
[0021] Alternatively, the MME/SGSN sending the selected certain extended paging period to
the UE, comprises: the MME/SGSN sending the selected certain extended paging period
to the UE via the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling.
[0022] Alternatively, the NAS signaling comprises an attach accepted message or a Tracking/Routing
Area Update (TAU/RAU) accepted message.
[0023] Alternatively, the UE sending a negotiation response indication message of accepting
or rejecting the first extended paging period to the MME/SGSN, comprises: the UE sending
the negotiation response indication message to the MME/SGSN through the Non-Access
Stratum (NAS) signaling.
[0024] Alternatively, the MME/SGSN determining the first extended paging period according
to the negotiation response indication message, comprises:
when the UE sends the negotiation response indication message of accepting the certain
extended paging period to the MME/SGSN, the MME/SGSN determining the certain extended
paging period as the first extended paging period;
when the UE sends the negotiation response indication message of rejecting the certain
extended paging period to the MME/SGSN, the MME/SGSN determining a certain extended
paging period supported by the UE which is carried in the negotiation response indication
message of rejecting the certain extended paging period sent by the UE as the first
extended paging period.
[0025] Alternatively, the MME/SGSN sending the first extended paging period and paging indication
information which indicates to use the first extended paging period to page to a radio
access network, comprises: the MME/SGSN sending the first extended paging period and
the paging indication information to the radio access network via a paging message.
[0026] Alternatively, the MME/SGSN sending the first extended paging period and the paging
indication information which indicates to use the first extended paging period to
page to a radio access network, comprises: the SGSN sending the first extended paging
period and the paging indication information to a Universal Terrestrial Radio Access
Network (UTRAN) via an Iu interface; the MME sending the first extended paging period
and the paging indication information to an evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN) via an S1 interface.
[0027] Alternatively, the UTRAN comprises a Radio Network Controller (RNC) and a Node B
(NodeB), or the RNC and an Evolved Node B (eNodeB);
the E-UTRAN comprises an eNodeB.
[0028] Alternatively, the radio access network sending the first extended paging period
in system information and using the first extended paging period to send a paging
message, comprises: the radio access network calculating a paging time point according
to the first extended paging period and an identity of the UE, and sending the paging
message at the calculated paging time point.
[0029] Alternatively, the UE selecting a second extended paging period according to an extended
paging period needed by the UE itself and the first extended paging period, comprises:
the UE selecting a minimum extended paging period from the extended paging period
which is requested from to the MME/SGSN to be used and the first extended paging period
as the second extended paging period.
[0030] Alternatively, the UE selecting a second extended paging period according to an extended
paging period needed by the UE itself and the first extended paging period, comprises:
the UE calculating the paging time point according to the second extended paging period
and the identity of the UE itself, and monitoring the paging message at the calculated
paging time point.
[0031] Alternatively, the UE selecting a second extended paging period according to an extended
paging period needed by the UE itself and the first extended paging period, comprises:
the UE monitoring the paging message for once or more times in active time of a Discontinuous
Reception (DRX) paging period; when the UE monitors the paging message for several
times in the active time of the DRX paging period, the radio access network sending
the paging message for several times in the active time.
[0032] The embodiment of the present application discloses a User Equipment (UE), comprising:
a first device, used for sending a request message which indicates requesting to use
a certain extended paging period supported by the UE itself or capability information
for indicating that the UE itself supports an extended paging period to a Mobility
Management Entity (MME) or a Serving General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Support Node
(SGSN), or used sending a negotiation response indication message of accepting the
certain extended paging period to the MME/SGSN when the UE can support the certain
extended paging period, and sending a negotiation response indication message of rejecting
the certain extended paging period to the MME/SGSN when the UE cannot support the
certain extended paging period;
a second device, used for receiving the negotiation response indication message of
accepting or rejecting the requested extended paging period sent by the MME/SGSN,
receiving a first extended paging period sent by a radio access network in system
information and a paging message sent with the first extended paging period, selecting
a second extended paging period according to an extended paging period needed by the
UE itself and the first extended paging period and monitoring a paging message according
to the second extended paging period; or used for receiving a certain extended paging
period sent by the MME/SGSN and the first extended paging period determined and sent
by the MME/SGSN according to the negotiation response indication message, receiving
a first extended paging period sent by the radio access network in the system information
and paging message sent with the first extended paging period, selecting a second
extended paging period according to an extended paging period needed by the UE itself
and the first extended paging period and monitoring the paging message according to
the second extended paging period.
[0033] Alternatively, the first device is configured to send the request message to the
MME/SGSN through an attach request message, a Tracking/Routing Area Update request
message (TAU/RAU) or a service request message.
[0034] Alternatively, the second device is configured to receive the negotiation response
indication message sent by the MME/SGSN via Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling.
[0035] Alternatively, the second device is configured to receive the certain extended paging
period sent by the MME/SGSN through the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling.
[0036] Alternatively, the first device is configured to send the negotiation response indication
message to the MME/SGSN through the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling.
[0037] Alternatively, the second device is configured to select a minimum extended paging
period from the extended paging period which is requested from the MME/SGSN to be
used and the first extended paging period as the second extended paging period.
[0038] Alternatively, the second device is configured to calculate a paging time point according
to the second extended paging period and an identity of UE itself, and monitor the
paging message at the paging time point calculated by a selecting device.
[0039] Alternatively, the second device is configured to monitor the paging message for
once or more times in an active time of a Discontinuous Reception (DRX) paging period;
when the second device is configured to, monitor the paging message for several times
in the active time of the DRX paging period, the radio access network sends the paging
message for several times in the active time.
[0040] The embodiment of the present application further provides a system of using an extended
paging period to page, comprising:
a Mobility Management Entity (MME) or Serving General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)
Support Node (SGSN), configured to negotiate an extended paging period with a User
Equipment (UE) to obtain a first extended paging period, send the first extended paging
period and paging indication information which indicates to use the first extended
paging period to page to a radio access network;
the radio access network is configured to, after receiving the first extended paging
period and the paging indication information, send the first extended paging period
in system information and use the first extended paging period to send a paging message;
the UE is configured to select a second extended paging period according to an extended
paging period needed by the UE itself and the first extended paging period, and monitor
the paging message according to the second extended paging period.
[0041] Alternatively, the radio access network comprises a Radio Network Controller (RNC)
and a Node B (NodeB), or comprises an RNC and an Evolved Node B (eNodeB), or comprises
an eNodeB.
[0042] Alternatively, the UE comprises a Machine Type Communication (MTC) apparatus or an
intelligent terminal.
[0043] Compared with the related art, the embodiments of the present application enable
a UE in the idle mode to achieve the energy saving effect by using the extended paging
period. In the embodiments of the present application, when the MME/SGSN at the network
side uses the extended DRX paging period, the E-UTRAN/UTRAN uses the extended paging
period, and the target UE also selects the extended paging period to monitor the paging
message. The embodiments of the present application enable the extended paging period
to achieve its proper meaning, thereby to reduce the power consumption of the target
UE, extend the life of a power supply unit such as the battery, and have the advantages
of energy-saving and environmental protection.
[0044] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in the following
specification, and in part will be obvious from the specification, or can be learned
by practicing the present invention. The objectives and other advantages of the present
invention may be achieved and obtained through the structure particularly pointed
out in the specification, the claims and the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0045] The accompanying drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the technical
solution of the present invention and constitute a part of the specification, and
serve to explain the technical scheme of the present invention together with the embodiments
of the present application, and also are not construed as limiting the technical scheme
of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the 3GPP mobile communication
network.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a flow chart of a paging method using an extended
paging period in accordance with an embodiment of the present application.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a flow chart of a paging method using an extended
DRX paging period in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a flow chart of another paging method using the extended
DRX paging period in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of a paging system using the extended
paging period in accordance with an embodiment of the present application.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of structure of a user equipment in accordance with
an embodiment of the present application.
Preferred Embodiments of the Invention
[0046] Hereinafter, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the embodiments, the
implementation of the present invention will be described in detail, so as to fully
understand and accordingly implement the implementation process of how the present
invention uses technical means to solve the technical problem and to achieve the technical
effect. Combinations of the embodiments of the present application and various features
in the embodiments are within the protection scope of the present invention on the
premise of no conflict.
[0047] In addition, steps illustrated in the flow charts in the accompanying drawings can
be performed in a computer system having a set of computer-executable commands. Furthermore,
although a logical order is shown in the flow charts, in some cases, the steps described
or illustrated herein may be performed in a different order.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 2, a method of using the extended paging period to page according
to the embodiment of the present application mainly comprises the following steps:
In step S201, the UE negotiates the extended paging period with an MME/SGSN to obtain
a first extended paging period.
[0049] In the embodiment of the present application, this negotiation process, for example,
can be that the UE sends capability information for indicating that the UE itself
supports the extended paging period to the MME/SGSN, and the MME/SGSN selects an extended
paging period for the UE in local as the first extended paging period according to
the capability information after receiving the capability information.
[0050] It should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, the paging period and the DRX paging
period in the embodiment of the present application are the same concept.
[0051] In step S202, the MME/SGSN sends a first extended paging period to a radio access
network (such as E-UTRAN/UTRAN), and sends paging indication information that indicates
to use the first extended paging period to page.
[0052] In the embodiment of the present application, the MME/SGSN sends a message (such
as paging message) including the first extended paging period to the E-UTRAN/UTRAN
through an S1/Iu interface.
[0053] In step S203, the E-UTRAN/UTRAN sends the first extended paging period in system
information and uses the first extended paging period to send the paging message after
receiving the first extended paging period and the paging indication information.
[0054] In the embodiment of the present application, the E-UTRAN/UTRAN indicates the received
first extended paging period in the system information according to the received information
and uses the first extended paging period to send the paging message.
[0055] In the embodiment of the present application, the E-UTRAN/UTRAN does not indicate
a default paging period in the system information any more, meanwhile the E-UTRAN/UTRAN
calculates a paging time point according to the first extended paging period and a
an identity of the UE, and sends the paging message at the calculated paging time
point.
[0056] In step S204, the UE selects a second extended paging period according to the extended
paging period needed by the UE itself and the first extended paging period sent by
the radio access network, and monitors the paging message according to the selected
second extended paging period.
[0057] In the embodiment of the present application, the UE may calculate at least one paging
time point according to the selected second extended paging period, and monitor the
paging message at the calculated at least one paging time point. It should be noted
that: the UE can monitor the paging message for once or more times within the second
extended paging period, wherein the purpose of monitoring the paging message for several
times is to receive the paging message correctly, the UE monitors the paging message
for several times in active time in the second extended paging period which requires
the E-UTRAN/UTRAN send the paging message for several times at this point. It should
be noted that: the embodiment of the present application takes the DRX as an example
to describe, but does not exclude the use of discontinuous transmission (DTX), in
fact, the embodiment of the present application is equally applicable to the DTX.
[0058] In the embodiment of the present application, the E-UTRAN may be an Evolved Node
B (eNodeB), the UTRAN may be a Radio Network Controller (RNC), an eNodeB/NodeB, and
so on.
[0059] In the embodiment of the present application, the UE may be an MTC apparatus or an
intelligent terminal. Wherein the MTC apparatus refers to a UE having MTC function,
and the intelligent terminal can be a smart phone, a panel computer, an Internet access
card or a netbook.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 3, the present example aims at the scenario of the UE requesting
an extended paging period. The present example mainly comprises the following steps:
In step S301, the UE sends a request message which indicates requesting to use a certain
extended paging period supported by the UE itself to an MME/SGSN.
[0061] In the embodiment of the present application, the UE may be a MTC UE or an intelligent
terminal.
[0062] In the embodiment of the present application, the UE actively sends a request message
to the MME/SGSN or the user sends a request message to the MME/SGSN by operating the
UE.
[0063] In the embodiment of the present application, the UE sends the request message through
the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling. The request message can be any of the following
messages: an attach request message, a Tracking/Routing Area Update request (TAU/RAU)
message and a service request message.
[0064] In the embodiment of the present application, the UE selects a value of the extended
paging period according to application requirements, the capability of the UE supporting
the extended paging period, and other information.
[0065] In the embodiment of the present application, the UE explicitly or implicitly sends
the request message to the MME/SGSN. The explicitly sending refers to that the UE
uses an extended paging period capability bit (EP) in the NAS signaling to indicate
whether the UE support the extended paging period, EP=1 indicates that the UE supports
the extended paging period, EP=0 indicates that the UE does not support, sending the
EP indicates that the UE supports the extended paging period, sending the EP (no matter
1 or 0) indicates that the UE does not support, etc. The implicitly sending refers
to that the UE carries the supported extended paging period in the NAS signaling,
and the MME/SGSN received the extended paging period determines that the UE has a
supporting capability.
[0066] In step S302, the MME/SGSN judges whether to accept the extended paging period request
requested by the UE after receiving the request message, if yes, then it is to proceed
to step S303, otherwise it is to proceed to step S304.
[0067] In the embodiment of the present application, the MME/SGSN judges whether to accept
the UE's request according to subscription information of the UE and a local policy,
for example, if the subscription information of the UE does not support the requested
extended paging period, and/or the MME/SGSN does not support the extended paging period,
the MME/SGSN rejects the extended paging period requested by the UE.
[0068] In step S303, the MME/SGSN sends negotiation response indication information of accepting
the extended paging period request to the UE.
the MME/SGSN takes the requested extended paging period as the first extended paging
period when accepting the extended paging period requested by the UE, and it is to
proceed to step S305.
[0069] In the embodiment of the present application, the MME/SGSN sends the negotiation
response indication information to the UE through the NAS signaling.
[0070] In step S304, the MME/SGSN sends a negotiation response indication message of rejecting
the requested extended paging period to the UE, and it is top proceed to step S305.
[0071] In the embodiment of the present application, if the MME/SGSN does not accept the
extended paging period requested by the UE, then the MME/SGSN may not send an indication
message to the UE or send the above-mentioned negotiation response indication message
of rejection to the UE. If the MME/SGSN sends the negotiation response indication
information of rejecting the extended paging period requested by UE to the UE, the
MME/SGSN sends the information to the UE through the NAS signaling.
[0072] In step S305, the MME/SGSN sends the E-UTRAN/UTRAN the first extended paging period
and the paging indication information which indicates to use the first extended paging
period to page.
[0073] In the embodiment of the present application, if the MME/SGSN accepts the extended
paging period requested by the UE, the MME/SGSN sends the extended paging period requested
by the UE to the E-UTRAN/UTRAN, otherwise, the MME/SGSN sends the extended paging
period selected and determined in local.
[0074] It should be noted that: when the MME/SGSN selects and determines the expanded paging
period in local, the MME/SGSN selects an extended paging period which is shorter than
the extended paging period requested by the UE in local as the above-mentioned first
extended paging period according to the local policy and the subscription information
the UE.
[0075] In the embodiment of the present application, the first extended paging period and
the paging indication information may be sent via the paging message, wherein the
indication information is a newly added information element which explicitly indicates
to use the extended paging period to page.
[0076] In the embodiment of the present application, the MME sends the first extended paging
period and the paging indication information to the E-UTRAN via an S1 interface, and
the SGSN sends the first extended paging period and the paging indication information
to the UTRAN via an Iu interface.
[0077] In step S306, the E-UTRAN/UTRAN sends the first extended paging period in the system
information after receiving the first extended paging period and the paging indication
information, and uses the first extended paging period to send the paging message.
[0078] In the embodiment of the present application, the E-UTRAN comprises an eNodeB (referred
to as eNB), the UTRAN comprises: an RNC and an eNB/NodeB.
[0079] In the embodiment of the present application, the E-UTRAN/UTRAN calculates a paging
time point according to the first extended paging period and the identity of the UE,
and sends the paging message at the corresponding paging time point.
[0080] In the embodiment of the present application, the E-UTRAN/UTRAN does not comprise
the default paging period in the system information.
[0081] In step S307, the UE selects the minimum extended paging period from the extended
paging period which is requested from the MME/SGSN to be used and the first extended
paging period as the second extended paging period, and monitors the paging message
according to the selected second extended paging period.
[0082] In the embodiment of the present application, the UE calculates the paging time point
according to the selected second extended paging period and its own identity, and
monitors the paging message at the calculated paging time point. Taking into account
that the paging time points of different UEs may be the same, thereby it may result
in a paging conflict, that is, the UE can not correctly receive the required paging
message. To ensure to receive the paging message correctly, the UE monitors the paging
message for once or more times within the active time of a DRX paging period. If the
UE monitors the paging message for several times within the active time, correspondingly
the E-UTRAN/UTRAN sends the paging message for several times within the active time.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 4, the example is aiming at a scenario in which an MME/SGSN sends
an extended paging period. The method of the present example mainly comprises the
following steps:
In step S401, the MME/SGSN sends information of a certain extended paging period to
a UE.
[0084] In the embodiment of the present application, the MME/SGSN selects the extended paging
period according to the UE subscription information, Quality of Service (QoS) of the
application, and a local policy, and sends the extended paging period which is selected
to the UE.
[0085] In the embodiment of the present application, the MME/SGSN can send the extended
paging period information through any of the following NAS signaling: an attach accepted
message and a Tracking/Routing Area Update (TAU/RAU) accepted message.
[0086] In step S402, the UE judges whether to support the extended paging period sent by
the MME/SGSN, and if yes, it is to proceed to step S403, otherwise it is to proceed
to step S404.
[0087] In the embodiment of the present application, the UE judges whether to support the
extended paging period sent by the MME/SGSN according to the application needs and
the capability of UE itself supporting the extended paging period. For example, the
QoS applied on the UE does not support the extended paging period sent by the MME/SGSN,
or the capability of the UE itself does not support the extended paging period sent
by the MME/SGSN, the UE may reject to accept the extended paging period sent by the
MME/SGSN.
[0088] In step S403, the UE sends the MME/SGSN a negotiation response indication information
of accepting a certain extended paging period, and it is to proceed to step S406.
[0089] In the embodiment of the present application, the UE sends a negotiation response
indication information of accepting the extended paging period to the MME/SGSN through
the NAS signaling.
[0090] In step S404, the UE sends a negotiation response indication message of rejecting
the extended paging period to the MME/SGSN, and it is to proceed to step S405.
[0091] In the embodiment of the present application, the UE sends the negotiation response
indication message of rejecting the certain extended paging period, and also simultaneously
sends reasons for rejection, for example, the UE does not support the received extended
paging period, and so on. If the UE does not support the received extended paging
period, the UE can carry the extended paging period supported by the UE in the rejected
negotiation response indication information.
[0092] In the embodiment of the present application, the UE sends the negotiation response
indication message of rejecting the extended paging period to the MME/SGSN via the
NAS signaling.
[0093] In step S405, the MME/SGSN selects a certain extended paging period additionally,
and it is to proceed to step S401.
[0094] In the embodiment of the present application, the MME/SGSN reselects a new extended
paging period after receiving the rejected negotiation response indication information
from the UE to re-negotiate according to the rejected negotiation response indication
information, until the MME/SGSN and the UE reach a consensus negotiation about the
extended paging period.
[0095] In step S406, the MME/SGSN sends the first extended paging period and the paging
indication information which indicates to use the first extended paging period to
page to the E-UTRAN/UTRAN.
[0096] In step S407, the E-UTRAN/UTRAN sends the first extended paging period in the system
information and uses the first extended paging period to send the paging message after
receiving the first extended paging period and the paging indication information.
[0097] This step is substantially the same as the previous step S306, and is not repeated
here.
[0098] In step S408, the UE selects the minimum extended paging period from the extended
paging period which is requested from the MME/SGSN to be used and the first extended
paging period as the second extended paging period, and monitors the paging message
according to the selected second extended paging period.
[0099] This step is substantially the same as the preceding step S307, and is not repeated
here.
[0100] The embodiment of the present application further provides a system using an extended
DRX paging period. As shown in FIG. 5, the paging system using the extended paging
period in the embodiment of the present application mainly comprises an MME/SGSN 51,
a radio access network 52 and a User Equipment (UE) 53.
[0101] The MME/SGSN 51 is connected to the radio access network 52, and is configured to
negotiate the extended paging period with the User Equipment (UE) 53 to obtain a first
extended paging period, send the first extended paging period and paging indication
information which indicates to use the first extended paging period to page to the
radio access network 52.
[0102] In the embodiment of the present application, for example, the UE 53 is configured
to send the capability information for indicating that the UE itself supports an extended
paging period to the MME/SGSN 51, the MME/SGSN 51 is configured to, select an extended
paging period for the UE 53 in local as the first extended paging period according
to the capability information after receiving the capability information,, whereby
the above-mentioned negotiation process is completed.
[0103] The radio access network 52 is connected to the MME/SGSN 51 and the UE 53, and is
configured to, send the first extended paging period in the system information after
receiving the first extended paging period and the paging indication information,
and use the first extended paging period to send the paging message.
[0104] The UE 53 is connected to the radio access network 52, and is configured to select
the second extended paging period according to the extended paging period needed by
the UE itself and the first extended paging period, and monitor the paging message
according to the second extended paging period.
[0105] Wherein, the UE 53 is configured to send a request message which indicates requesting
to use an extended paging period supported by the UE itself to the MME/SGSN 51; the
MME/SGSN 51 is configured to, judge whether to accept the requested extended paging
period according to the subscription information of the UE 53 and the local policy
after receiving the request message; take the requested extended paging period as
the first extended paging period when accepting the requested extended paging period,
otherwise, select an extended paging period in local as the first extended paging
period; and is configured to send a negotiation response indication message of accepting
or rejecting the requested extended paging period to the UE 53.
[0106] Wherein, the UE 53 is configured to send the request message to the MME/SGSN 51 according
to an attach request message, a Tracking/Routing Area Update (TAU/RAU) request message
or a service request message.
[0107] Wherein, the MME/SGSN 51 is configured to select an extended paging period which
is shorter than the extended paging period which the UE 53 requests to use in local
according to the local policy and the subscription information of the UE 53 as the
first extended paging period.
[0108] Wherein, the MME/SGSN 51 is configured to send the negotiation response indication
information to the UE 53 via a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling.
[0109] Wherein, the MME/SGSN 51 is configured to select a certain extended paging period
according to the subscription information of the UE 53, Quality of Service (QoS) of
the application, and the local policy; send the selected extended paging period to
the UE 53; determine the first extended paging period according to the negotiation
response indication message; the UE 53 is configured to judge whether to support the
certain extended paging period according to the application requirements and its capability
of supporting the extended paging period, and when the UE can support the extended
paging period send the negotiation response indication message of accepting the extended
paging period to the MME/SGSN 51; when the UE cannot support the extended paging period
send the negotiation response indication message of rejecting the extended paging
period to the MME/SGSN 51.
[0110] Wherein, the MME/SGSN 51 is configured to send the selected extended paging period
to the UE 53 via Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling.
[0111] Wherein, the NAS signaling comprises an attach accepted message or a Tracking/Routing
Area Update (TAU/RAU) accepted message.
[0112] Wherein, the UE 53 is configured to send the negotiation response indication message
to the MME/SGSN 51 through the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling.
[0113] Wherein, the UE 53 is configured to send a negotiation response indication message
of accepting the extended paging period to the MME/SGSN 51, the MME/SGSN 51 is configured
to determine the extended paging period as the first extended paging period; the UE
53 is configured to send a negotiation response indication message of rejecting the
extended paging period the MME/SGSN 51, the MME/SGSN 51 is configured to determine
a certain extended paging period supported by the UE 53 which is carried in the negotiation
response indication message of rejecting the extended paging period sent by the UE
53.
[0114] Wherein, the MME/SGSN 51 is configured to send the first extended paging period and
the paging indication information which indicates to use the first extended paging
period to page to the radio access network 52.
[0115] Wherein, the SGSN is configured to send the first extended paging period and the
paging indication information to the Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN)
52 via an Iu interface; the MME is configured to send the first extended paging period
and the paging indication information to the evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN) via an S1 interface.
[0116] Wherein, the UTRAN comprises the Radio Network Controller (RNC) and a Node B (NodeB),
or the RNC and an Evolved Node B (eNodeB); the E-UTRAN comprises an eNodeB.
[0117] Wherein, the radio access network 52 is configured to calculate the paging time point
according to the first extended paging period and the identity of the UE 53, and send
the paging message at the calculated paging time point.
[0118] Wherein, the UE 53 is configured to select the minimum extended paging period from
the extended paging period which is requested from the MME/SGSN to be used and the
first extended paging period as the second extended paging period.
[0119] Wherein, the UE 53 is configured to calculate a paging time point according to the
second extended paging period and the identity of UE itself, and monitor the paging
message at the calculated paging time point.
[0120] Wherein, the UE 53 is configured to monitor the paging message for once or more times
in active time of a discontinuous reception (DRX) paging period; when the UE 53 is
configured to, monitor the paging message for several times within the active time
of the DRX paging period, the radio access network 52 is configured to send the paging
message for several times in the active time.
[0121] Wherein, the UE 53 comprises an MTC apparatus or an intelligent terminal.
[0122] In the sleeping time in a long sleeping period, when there is no packet service reaches
the UE, the UE enters into a long sleeping period or a longer sleeping period again
after this long sleeping period is finished; in the sleeping time of the long sleeping
period, when there is uplink packet service, the UE enters into the active mode and
sends the packet service, and when there is downlink packet service to reach the UE,
the UE is waiting until the sleeping period is finished to receive the packet service;
enters into a short sleeping period after sending and receiving the packet service;
the system in the embodiment of the present application is formed by optimizing the
processing functions of the network elements therein on the basis of the existing
communication network, so the system in the embodiment of the present application
can be understood by referring to the structure of the existing communication network,
and the functions of the improved related network elements can be understood by referring
to the related description of the above-mentioned extended DRX paging period method.
[0123] As shown in FIG. 6, the User Equipment (UE) in the embodiment of the present application
mainly comprises that:
a first device 610 is configured to send a request message which indicates requesting
to use an extended paging period supported by the UE itself or capability information
for indicating that the UE itself supports an extended paging period to the Mobility
Management Entity (MME) or Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) a, or a first device 610
is configured to send a negotiation response indication message of accepting the extended
paging period when the UE can support the extended paging period to the MME/SGSN,
and send a negotiation response indication message of rejecting the extended paging
period when the UE cannot support the extended paging period to the MME/SGSN;
a second device 620 is configured to receive the negotiation response indication information
of accepting or rejecting the requested extended paging period sent by the MME/SGSN,
receive the first extended paging period sent by the radio access network in system
information and the paging message sent within the first extended paging period, select
a second extended paging period according to the extended paging period needed by
the UE itself and the first extended paging period and monitor the paging message
according to the second extended paging period, or a second device 620 is configured
to receive a certain extended paging period sent by the MME/SGSN and the first extended
paging period determined and sent by the MME/SGSN according to the negotiation response
indication information, to receive the first extended paging period sent by a radio
access network in the system information and the paging message sent within the first
extended paging period, as well as to select a second extended paging period according
to the extended paging period needed by the UE itself and the first extended paging
period and monitor the paging message according to the second extended paging period.
[0124] The first device 610 is configured to send the request message to the MME/SGSN through
an attach request message, a Tracking/Routing Area Update (TAU/RAU) request message
or a service request message.
[0125] The second device 620 is configured to receive the negotiation response indication
information sent by the MME/SGSN via the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling.
[0126] The second device 620 is configured to receive the extended paging period sent by
the MME/SGSN via the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling.
[0127] The first device 610 is configured to send the negotiation response indication message
to the MME/SGSN through the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling.
[0128] The second device 620 is configured to select a minimum extended paging period from
the extended paging period which is requested from the MME/SGSN to be used and the
first extended paging period as the second extended paging period.
[0129] The second device 620 is configured to calculate a paging time point according to
the second extended paging period and an identity of the UE itself, and monitor the
paging message at the paging time point calculated by a selecting device.
[0130] The second device 620 is configured to monitor the paging message for once or more
times in active time of a discontinuous reception (DRX) paging period; when the second
device 620 is configured to, monitor the paging message for several times within the
active period of a DRX paging period, the radio access network sends the paging message
for several times within the active time.
[0131] The embodiments of the present application can effectively reduce the power consumption
of the UE, reduce the signaling interaction between the UE and the network side, and
achieve the purpose of extending the DRX paging period.
[0132] A person skilled in the art should understand that respective components of the device
and/or system provided in the embodiments of the present application, as well as the
respective steps in the method, can be concentrated on a single computing device or
distributed in a network consisting of multiple computing devices. Alternatively,
the device, system and method in the embodiments of the present application may be
implemented by program codes executable by computing devices, therefore can be stored
in storage device and executed by computing devices, or made into individual integrated
circuit modules, or some of the modules or steps therein can be made into a single
integrated circuit module to implement. Therefore, the embodiment of the present application
is not limited to the combination of any specific hardware and software.
[0133] Although the embodiments of the present invention are disclosed as above, but the
content is only embodiments used to facilitate understanding the present invention,
and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any skilled in the art of the
present invention can make any modifications and changes in forms and details of the
implementation on the premise of without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed
in the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is still
the range defined by the appended claims.
Industrial Applicability
[0134] Compared with the related art, the embodiment of the present application enables
a UE in the idle mode to achieve the effect of energy saving by using the extended
paging period. In the embodiments of the present application, when the MME/SGSN at
the network side uses the extended DRX paging period, the E-UTRAN/UTRAN uses the extended
paging period, and the target UE also selects the extended paging period to monitor
the paging message. The embodiment of the present application enables the extended
paging period to achieve the proper meaning thereof, thereby reducing the power consumption
of the target UE, extending the life of a power supply unit such as the battery, and
having the advantages of energy-saving and environmental protection. Therefore, the
present invention has very strong industrial applicability.
1. A method of using an extended paging period to page, comprising:
a Mobility Management Entity (MME) or a serving General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)
Support Node (SGSN) negotiating an extended paging period with a User Equipment (UE)
to obtain a first extended paging period;
the MME/SGSN sending the first extended paging period and paging indication information
which indicates to use the first extended paging period to page to a radio access
network;
after receiving the first extended paging period and the paging indication information,
the radio access network sending the first extended paging period in system information
and using the first extended paging period to send a paging message;
the UE selecting a second extended paging period according to an extended paging period
needed by the UE itself and the first extended paging period, and monitoring the paging
message according to the second extended paging period.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein, the step of an MME/SGSN negotiating an extended paging
period with a UE to obtain a first extended paging period comprises:
the UE sending a request message which indicates requesting to use a certain extended
paging period supported by the UE itself to the MME/SGSN ;
the MME/SGSN judging whether to accept the requested extended paging period according
to subscription information of the UE and a local policy after receiving the request
message;
the MME/SGSN taking the requested extended paging period as the first extended paging
period, otherwise, selecting an extended paging period in local as the first extended
paging period, when accepting the requested extended paging period;
the MME/SGSN sending a negotiation response indication message of accepting or rejecting
the requested extended paging period to the UE.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein, the step of the UE sending a request message which
indicates requesting to use a certain extended paging period supported by the UE itself
to the MME/SGSN comprises: the UE sending the request message to the MME/SGSN according
to an attach request message, a Tracking/Routing Area Update (TAU/RAU) message or
a service request message.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein, the step of the MME/SGSN selecting an extended paging
period in local as the first extended paging period comprises:
the MME/SGSN selecting an extended paging period which is shorter than the extended
paging period that the UE requests to use in local according to the local policy and
the subscription information of the UE as the first extended paging period.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein, the step of the MME/SGSN sending a negotiation response
indication message of accepting or rejecting the requested extended paging period
to the UE comprises:
the MME/SGSN sending the negotiation response indication message to the UE via Non-Access
Stratum (NAS) signaling.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein, the step of an MME/SGSN negotiating an extended paging
period with a UE to obtain a first extended paging period comprises:
the UE sending capability information for indicating that the UE itself supports an
extended paging period to the MME/SGSN;
the MME/SGSN selecting an extended paging period for the UE in local as the first
extended paging period according to the capability information after receiving the
capability information.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein, the step of an MME/SGSN negotiating an extended paging
period with a UE to obtain a first extended paging period comprises:
the MME/SGSN selecting a certain extended paging period according to the subscription
information of the UE, Quality of Service (QoS) of application, and the local policy;
the MME/SGSN sending the selected certain extended paging period to the UE;
the UE judging whether the UE can support the certain extended paging period according
to application requirements and the capability of the UE itself supporting an extended
paging period;
when the UE can support the certain extended paging period, the UE sending a negotiation
response indication message of accepting the certain extended paging period to the
MME/SGSN; when the UE cannot support the certain extended paging period, the UE sending
a negotiation response indication message of rejecting the certain extended paging
period to the MME/SGSN;
the MME/SGSN determining the first extended paging period according to the negotiation
response indication message.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein, the step of the MME/SGSN sending the selected certain
extended paging period to the UE comprises:
the MME/SGSN sending the selected certain extended paging period to the UE via the
Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein,
the NAS signaling comprises an attach accepted message or a Tracking/Routing Area
Update (TAU/RAU) accepted message.
10. The method of claim 6, wherein, the step of the UE sending a negotiation response
indication message of accepting or rejecting the first extended paging period to the
MME/SGSN comprises:
the UE sending the negotiation response indication message to the MME/SGSN through
the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling.
11. The method of claim 6, wherein, the step of the MME/SGSN determining the first extended
paging period according to the negotiation response indication message comprises:
when the UE sends the negotiation response indication message of accepting the certain
extended paging period to the MME/SGSN, the MME/SGSN determining the certain extended
paging period as the first extended paging period;
when the UE sends the negotiation response indication message of rejecting the certain
extended paging period to the MME/SGSN, the MME/SGSN determining a certain extended
paging period supported by the UE which is carried in the negotiation response indication
message of rejecting the certain extended paging period sent by the UE as the first
extended paging period.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein, the step of the MME/SGSN sending the first extended
paging period and paging indication information which indicates to use the first extended
paging period to page to a radio access network comprises:
the MME/SGSN sending the first extended paging period and the paging indication information
to the radio access network via a paging message.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein, the step of the MME/SGSN sending the first extended
paging period and paging indication information which indicates to use the first extended
paging period to page to a radio access network comprises:
the SGSN sending the first extended paging period and the paging indication information
to a Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) via an Iu interface;
the MME sending the first extended paging period and the paging indication information
to an evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN) via an S1 interface.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein,
the UTRAN comprises a Radio Network Controller (RNC) and a Node B (NodeB), or the
RNC and an Evolved Node B (eNodeB);
the E-UTRAN comprises an eNodeB.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein, the step of the radio access network sending the first
extended paging period in system information and using the first extended paging period
to send a paging message comprises:
the radio access network calculating a paging time point according to the first extended
paging period and an identity of the UE, and sending the paging message at the calculated
paging time point.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein, the step of the UE selecting a second extended paging
period according to an extended paging period needed by the UE itself and the first
extended paging period comprises:
the UE selecting a minimum extended paging period from the extended paging period
which is requested from the MME/SGSN to be used and the first extended paging period
as the second extended paging period.
17. The method of claim 1, wherein, the step of the UE selecting a second extended paging
period according to an extended paging period needed by the UE itself and the first
extended paging period comprises:
the UE calculating a paging time point according to the second extended paging period
and the identity of the UE itself, and monitoring the paging message at the calculated
paging time point.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein, the step of the UE selecting a second extended paging
period according to an extended paging period needed by the UE itself and the first
extended paging period comprises:
the UE monitoring the paging message for once or more times in an active time of a
Discontinuous Reception (DRX) paging period;
when the UE monitors the paging message for several times in the active time of the
DRX paging period, the radio access network sending the paging message for several
times in the active time.
19. A User Equipment (UE), comprising a first device and a second device, wherein:
the first device is configured to: send a request message which indicates requesting
to use a certain extended paging period supported by the UE itself or capability information
for indicating that the UE itself supports an extended paging period to a Mobility
Management Entity (MME) or serving General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) support node
(SGSN); or send a negotiation response indication message of accepting the certain
extended paging period when the UE can support the certain extended paging period
to the MME/SGSN, and send a negotiation response indication message of rejecting the
certain extended paging period when the UE cannot support the certain extended paging
period to the MME/SGSN;
the second device is configured to: receive the negotiation response indication message
of accepting or rejecting the requested extended paging period sent by the MME/SGSN,
receive a first extended paging period sent by a radio access network in system information
and a paging message sent with the first extended paging period, select a second extended
paging period according to an extended paging period needed by the UE itself and the
first extended paging period and monitor the paging message according to the second
extended paging period;
or receive a certain extended paging period sent by the MME/SGSN and the first extended
paging period determined and sent by the MME/SGSN according to the negotiation response
indication message, receive a first extended paging period sent by the radio access
network in system information and paging message sent with the first extended paging
period, and select a second extended paging period according to an extended paging
period needed by the UE itself and the first extended paging period and monitor the
paging message according to the second extended paging period.
20. The user equipment of claim 19, wherein:
the first device is configured to send the request message to the MME/SGSN through
an attach request message, a Tracking/Routing Area Update request message (TAU/RAU)
or a service request message.
21. The user equipment of claim 19, wherein:
the second device is configured to receive the negotiation response indication message
sent by the MME/SGSN via Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling.
22. The user equipment of claim 19, wherein:
the second device is configured to receive the certain extended paging period sent
by the MME/SGSN through the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling.
23. The user equipment of claim 19, wherein:
the first device is configured to send the negotiation response indication message
to the MME/SGSN through the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling.
24. The user equipment of claim 19, wherein,
the second device is configured to select a minimum extended paging period from the
extended paging period which is requested from the MME/SGSN to be used and the first
extended paging period as the second extended paging period.
25. The user equipment of claim 19, wherein:
the second device is configured to calculate a paging time point according to the
second extended paging period and an identity of the UE itself, and monitor the paging
message at the paging time point calculated by a selecting device.
26. The user equipment of claim 25, wherein:
the second device is configured to monitor the paging message for once or more times
in an active time of a discontinuous reception (DRX) paging period; when the second
device is configured to monitor the paging message for several times in the active
period of the DRX paging period, the radio access network sends the paging message
for several times in the active time.
27. A system of using an extended paging period to page, comprising:
a Mobility Management Entity (MME) or Serving General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)
Support Node (SGSN), which is configured to negotiate an extended paging period with
a User Equipment (UE) to obtain a first extended paging period, send the first extended
paging period and paging indication information which indicates to use the first extended
paging period to page to a radio access network;
the radio access network is configured to, after receiving the first extended paging
period and the paging indication information, send the first extended paging period
in system information and use the first extended paging period to send a paging message;
the UE is configured to select a second extended paging period according to an extended
paging period needed by the UE itself and the first extended paging period, and monitor
the paging message according to the second extended paging period.
28. The system of claim 27, wherein:
the radio access network comprises a Radio Network Controller (RNC) and a Node B (NodeB),
or comprises the RNC and an Evolved Node B (eNodeB), or comprises an eNodeB.
29. The system of claim 27, wherein,
the UE comprises a Machine Type Communication (MTC) apparatus or an intelligent terminal.